“A total of 97 CNBs of the spleen were performed, 23 of which were CT guided and 74 of which were ultrasound guided. There were seven (7.2%) minor complications and a single (1.0%) major complication; the overall complication rate was 8.2% (n = 8). The diagnostic yield—defined as adequate tissue to establish a diagnosis—of CNB was 93.8%, the sensitivity was 90.7%, the specificity was 100%, and the accuracy was 94.5%.”

“Although splenectomy is the reference standard for diagnosis of indeterminate lesions detected on imaging, it is not without risk and can predispose patients to infection and thrombosis. To our knowledge, our study represents the largest single-center contemporary series of splenic CNBs in the literature. We conclude that percutaneous image-guid- ed CNB of the spleen is an accurate diagnostic technique with an acceptable safety profile.”

“ The primary indication for splenic biopsy is an indeterminate solid or cystic lesion for which a combination of clinical, radiologic, and blood culture findings has failed to allow diagnosis.”Image-guided Percutaneous Splenic InterventionsSingh AK et al.RadioGraphics 2012; 32:523-534

“ According to Lucey et al. the most common clinical scenario for which splenic biopsy is performed is a focal splenic lesion in a patient with a known extrasplenic neoplasm. Another common indication for splenic biopsy is the discovery of a splenic mass in a patient with known or suspected lymphoma.”Image-guided Percutaneous Splenic InterventionsSingh AK et al.RadioGraphics 2012; 32:523-534

“ The sensitivity of core needle biopsy in making a diagnosis is 88% or better in multiple series in the literature.”Image-guided Percutaneous Splenic InterventionsSingh AK et al.RadioGraphics 2012; 32:523-534